Abstract

Should a person with same-sex attraction live chastely? Can a person with SSA live celibately? Should a person with SSA be ordained? Care has to be taken in asking such questions, remembering that the person with SSA should be treated fairly and with equality. We could also ask these questions of heterosexual persons. In line with current pronouncements of Church teaching, the priestly life appears unsuited for persons with deep-seated SSA. If the SSA is transitory or passing, and the candidate is open to be formed, then there may be no impediments to future ordination. Where the same-sex feelings lie somewhere in between, careful and prudent discernment is needed.